Jakarta: The 2016 BANK BRI-JCB Indonesia Open will make its welcome return onto the Asian Tour Schedule after a one-year absence, officials announced on Tuesday.
Title sponsored by Indonesia’s oldest bank, Bank BRI and global payments brand based in Japan, JCB, Indonesia’s oldest professional golf tournament will be played at Pondok Indah Golf Course from November 17 to 20, 2016.
The full-field Asian Tour event will offer a US$300,000 prize purse and much attention will be on the local golfers aiming to deliver the first Indonesian champion since 1989.
The late Kasiadi remains the only Indonesian golfer to win the event while the 2014 edition was won by three-time Major winner, Padraig Harrington who defeated Thailand’s Thanyakon Khrongpha by two shots.
Sis Apik Wijayanto, Director of Bank BRI said: “The Indonesian Open is one of the most prestigious national championships in Asia and Bank BRI is truly honoured to have the opportunity to become the tournament’s title sponsor.
“We hope the return of our national championship will inspire Indonesian golfers to play their best and win the BANK BRI-JCB Indonesia Open title next month. It would be a fantastic achievement for the development of the game in our country.”
Koichiro Wada, Director of JCB International Indonesia said: “We are delighted and proud to be part of the Indonesia Open, which is the oldest golf tournament in the country.
“It is an exciting venture for JCB and we are looking forward to working together with the Asian Tour and Persatuan Golf Indonesia to make this prestigious tournament a huge success.”
Murdaya Widyawimarta Po, President of Persatuan Golf Indonesia, the national golf association of Indonesia said: “On behalf of our association, I would like to thank Bank BRI and JCB for its outstanding support. Our national championship is a very important event and we are delighted that the BRI-JCB Indonesia Open will be staged on the Asian Tour this month.
“It is important for us to continue to stage the Indonesia Open as it creates the opportunity for Indonesian golfers, both professionals and amateurs, to compete against the best players from the Asian Tour.”
Kyi Hla Han, Commissioner of the Asian Tour, said, “We are delighted to welcome back the Asian Tour tournament sponsored by BRI after a one-year lapse as it is one of the most popular national Opens in Asia with a rich history.
“As we begin our countdown towards the championship, we are also confident the return of the best players from the Asian Tour will continue to excite and thrill the local galleries next month. On behalf of our players, I would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to Bank BRI for its title sponsorship.
“Earlier this season, the Asian Tour also welcomed back the national Opens of Singapore and Myanmar while the King’s Cup also made a return in Thailand. I believe this is a wonderful sign for the development and growth of professional golf in Asia.”
Budi Kosasih, Director Operational of Pondok Indah Golf Course said the club is looking forward to hosting the top players from the region and Indonesia for the Bank BRI-JCB Indonesia Open.
“It is a privilege for Pondok Indah to be selected to play host to the 2016 Bank BRI-JCB Indonesia Open. We will endeavour to prepare our championship course to its best condition so that we can identify a worthy champion of our national Open.”
